Facebook Fans Name Haven's New Cafe

After October half term, Perran Sands park in Cornwall closed and the builders have moved in to start work on a brand new £1.2m cafe bar which will be ready for guests in 2013.

But the big question on everyone's lips at Haven was "what shall we call it?" And who better to ask than their customers. An appeal was sent out in their e-newsletter, posted on Facebook and Twitter and there was even a video from June Donnery, General Manager of the park on You Tube. Guests, team members and owners were asked to post their suggestions on the Haven Facebook page. June was overwhelmed by the response as over 450 fans shared their ideas which included Dunes and Haven - a Bite and Sands.

June said: "we were really impressed with the creative ideas everyone came up with and it was a tough decision but we finally all agreed on 'Surf Bay' which was the idea of Boo Beddoe. We chose this as the park is so popular with surfers."

Diners at 'Surf Bay' will be rewarded with lovely views of the dunes and the seaside location will be reflected in the beach themed decor. Food will be sourced locally where possible and the menu will have a choice of local specialities and seasonal options. Perran Sands holds a coveted Gold Green Tourism Business Award so hardly surprising there will be some eco-friendly features in the new cafe bar include a Windcatcher that will be installed on the roof. This is a natural ventilation system which literally catches the wind and sends it into the building whilst at the same time taking the stale air out. So everyone can benefit from the cool fresh sea air inside without the need for mechanical intervention. In addition there will be solar panels to provide hot water.

This new cafe follows on from the investment this year of £1.5million on a new touring facility. Camping and caravanning holidays are extremely popular especially in Cornwall. It's a fantastic way to get really close to nature and spend time outdoors. Just as the new cafe bar is being designed to fit with its location so were the new shower and washroom blocks. They really blend in with the sand dunes, their curved roofs are covered in grass and harvest rainwater to make them self-watering. Solar panels heat the showers and the building is clad in cedar. But it doesn't stop there, energy efficient under-floor heating, roof lights to make the most of the natural light and inside the interior has been themed with camper vans and beach huts.

To book a break at Perran Sands Click on www.haven.com or call 0871 230 1900 for info.

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